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Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – notably cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, cancer and diabetes – are now the leading global cause of death. NCDs are driven by globalized trade, marketing and diets, by rapid urbanization and by population ageing. Yet in many countries the response is weak, hampered by poor legal frameworks and low legal capacity. IDLO is a member of the UN Interagency Taskforce on the Prevention and Control of NCDs, and is increasingly active in tackling this growing development challenge.

“The rule of law is a crucial part of the response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” IDLO’s Director-General, Irene Khan, told assembled Heads of State and Government in New York on the occasion of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. “Yet, law is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. That is understandable.

International law and national constitutions confirm the central role of the State in respecting, protecting and fulfilling the right to health, including through the regulation of the health sector and services, and of other sectors which affect the social determinants of health.

More than 45 experts on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) met in New York this week to discuss the legal and regulatory measures needed to respond to the growing global pandemics of NCDs, including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and chronic lung diseases.

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Key Initiatives

In 2014 IDLO signed agreements with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to build legal capacity to address public health challenges. The initial focus is on obesity, diabetes, healthy diets and physical activity. Also in 2014, IDLO, the WHO and the University of Sydney convened the first regional consultation on overweight, obesity, diabetes and law in the Western Pacific.